Carol Joy Strong

Carol Joy Strong, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at age 88.

Born August 25, 1937, in Bremerton, Washington, to Byron and Mildred Gibson, she married Philip L. Strong on September 16, 1960, in the Los Angeles Temple. Together, they raised three children.

A Brigham Young University graduate, Carol taught high school home economics and later served as an elementary school substitute teacher.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in Relief Society, Primary, and the Family History Library, and alongside her husband, as a CES missionary and temple ordinance worker. She loved sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Carol’s love of music and learning touched every part of her life. She loved to dance, play the piano, and encouraged others to sing and play instruments. She loved spending time with her grandchildren—baking bread with them, even grinding the wheat, reading stories (especially the parables), taking walks, playing games, and writing them postcards to stay in touch.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Philip; children, Sherry (Paul), Larry (Erika), and Joy (Abraham); 14 grandchildren; 15 great grand-children, and her brother, Stephen Gibson (Bette). She was preceded in death by her parents.

A viewing will be held at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel in Redlands, CA Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm. A family graveside service will then be held at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands, CA.

A memorial service will be held on Fri., Oct. 17, 2025, at 10:00 am, at the Morro Bay Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3000 Ironwood Ave., Morro Bay, CA.